Blackmail charges have been dropped against a person accused of attempting to blackmail a Christchurch public figure following a paid sexual encounter

RNZ reports the charges were withdrawn the day the case was to be re-tried in the District Court.

The first trial was abandoned in March, because of a legal issue, forcing the judge to declare a mistrial.

Details were heard of how a dispute over payment developed between the pair in the days after meeting through a dating app.

Both people have been granted permanent name suppression.